
Tony W. Cozart, Ed.D.
Executive Director
After graduating from J. F. Webb High School, Dr. Cozart earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. Paul’s College. He earned a Masters in School Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Cozart also studied theology at Shaw Divinity School. He served 34 years in the public schools of North Carolina as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director. He served as Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. from December 2014 until November 2016 and has served as Executive Director of Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start, Inc. since November, 2016. He is a dedicated servant and advocate for children and families. In addition to his duties at FGV, Dr. Cozart serves as Pastor of Cook’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and is a Granville County Commissioner. His greatest joy is spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Occasionally he has the opportunity to do a little fishing.

Sharon Barnette
Program Manager

Felisha Benson
Quality Childcare Specialist
Felisha Benson was born and raised in Henderson, NC. She attended Vance County Public schools and went on to further her education in early childhood education after graduation. Felisha has a love for children of all ages, but her passion is birth to five. She has been with FGV Smart Start since April of 2023 as the Quality Childcare Specialist. During her time she has gained a lot of information with the support of the team that works for FGV Smart Start. With her position, she offers technical assistance and coaching to childcare providers and teachers. The goal of the technical assistance and coaching is to help each center or family childcare home achieve quality childcare. The quality childcare program also offers a grant to each center or home to help them get all materials needed to achieve quality childcare.

Darleshia Braswell
Program Coordinator & Evaluator

Sharon Bryant
Fiscal Manager

Raven Burns
Adolescent Parenting Program Assistant

Kendra Davis
NC PreK Coordinator
Kendra Davis is the NC PreK Coordinator. She received her Bachelors and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University and her Master’s in School Administration from Elizabeth City State University. After retiring from Warren County Schools as educator, instructional coach and administrator, she desired to continue to serve children, their parents, and the community. Kendra is deeply committed to providing PreK students with a strong educational foundation, ensuring they develop the essential skills and confidence needed for long-term success. Her passion is to nurture early learning experiences that set each child on a path toward lifelong achievement. As PreK Coordinator, she monitors, provide technical assistance, coaching, and modeling for all NC PreK sites in Franklin County. She also acts as a liaison between her NC PreK sites and DCDEE to ensure all sites follow guidelines. In addition, Kendra serves as the chair for both Vance and Granville county NC PreK committees.

Cassandra Evans, Ed.D.
Accessing Higher Education Coordinator
Dr. Cassandra Evans has over 30 years of experience working with children and families. She has been a school bus driver, teacher, administrator, central office federal programs director, and an Early Learning Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, her Master of Education in School Administration from North Carolina Central University. In 2019 she earned a doctor of Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She has a passion for children and her goal is to provide her community with the needed resources to grow students into productive citizens.

Linda P. Frederickson, Ed.D.
Early Childhood Systems Director
Dr. Linda Frederickson has worked with children and families for over 40 years. She has been a childcare worker, teacher, school administrator, central office director, and educational coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Family Relations and a Master of Education Degree from UNC Greensboro. In 2017 she earned a doctor of Education Degree from NC State University. Dr. Frederickson loves spending time with family, camping, and charity events. Her goals are to connect families with services, support those who may not be currently receiving services and promote the mission and vison of FGV Smart Start. Prior to her employment with FGV Smart Start, she was recognized by the North Carolina Partnership for Children in 2021 as the recipient of the Ashley O. Thrift Volunteer of the Year Award for leadership, commitment, passion for children and tireless advocacy on behalf of Smart Start.

Lisa Mosely
Behavior Support Specialist
Lisa Mosley is the Behavioral Support Specialist at Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start Inc. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in this field for 29 years. Lisa has compassion, patience, and love when it comes to working with children. She has a strong belief in building the foundation in a child’s education from birth to five and that every child can succeed if he or she has a strong support team. Her role as the Behavioral Support Specialist is to work closely with child care providers to overcome challenging behaviors in the classroom.

Amy Oakes
Kindergarten Transitions Coordinator

Della Patterson
Outreach Coordinator

Annie Perry
Program Coordinator / Supervisor / Social Worker of the Adolescent Parenting Program for Vance County NC

Camryn Rodriguez
Fiscal Specialist

Patricia Williamson
Patricia Williamson is the Granville County and half of Vance County Outreach Specialist at FGV Smart Start. She is a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with certifications in grades K-6 and Reading K-12. She served 30 years as an Elementary teacher with Warren County Schools. After retiring as an educator, she decided to continue her commitment to children and education by joining the FGV Smart Start team. She is dedicated to building community partnerships and providing support and resources to help centers be successful.

Brenda Yancey
Director of Child Care Resource and Referral
Brenda Yancey has been employed at Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start Inc. for 18 years. She has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for 28 years. She has been a teacher, director of a childcare, trainer, coach, mentor, and now holds the position of Director of Child Care Resource and Referral. She is a passionate advocate for children in ensuring that they have a productive and successful life.